LEFT: Before treatment. RIGHT: After treatment. Johannes Vermeer, Woman Holding a Balance, c. 1664, National Gallery of Art, Widener Collection

Also in the past, black and grayish paint had been added, particularly on the frame of The Last Judgment. After three month's work, golden yellow highlights that originally represented the frame's gilding were uncovered. Compare photographs of the work before and after treatment. The conservators completed their work by replacing the existing frame with one from the same period as the painting.

For those interested in a more detailed description of the treatment, extensive conservation notes are available online.